Fury vs Usyk date finally confirmed as historic title looms

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On February 17, Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk will go head-to-head in a highly-anticipated fight to determine the first undisputed heavyweight champion in over two decades.

The WBC champion, Fury, and the unified champion, Usyk, are set to battle it out in Saudi Arabia, a location that they have both previously competed in.

Towards the end of September, it was affirmed that the undefeated duo would eventually collide, possibly on December 23 in Riyadh. Nevertheless, Fury's battle with former UFC kingpin Francis Ngannou didn't go according to plan. The British boxer achieved a contentious triumph after being knocked down by the MMA fighter in Riyadh.

After their match, Fury and Usyk confronted each other inside the ring. Even though Fury's WBC title wasn't at stake, the Gypsy King hinted that their planned fight would be postponed for another three years until 2024.

During a media event held on Thursday, the fight between Fury and Usyk was officially announced. The heavyweight boxers are both vying to become the first person to hold the title of undisputed champion in the division since Lennox Lewis accomplished this feat in 1999. However, Lewis was later stripped of his WBA belt in 2000. The upcoming match between Fury and Usyk will take place on 17 February.

Fury declared that he will take away all the championship titles from the Ukrainian fighter and defeat him soundly. He then proceeded to insult his opponent, calling him unattractive and small, and compared him to a rabbit who should run away from the upcoming fight. Despite the Ukrainian's previous victories, Fury is confident that he will emerge as the winner.

The man's testicles have become smaller. He is weak and effeminate, like someone wearing an earring. I intend to knock him out completely. He is no match for me and will never be able to defeat me. Even if he dreams of winning, he should apologize upon waking. By the way, I borrowed that line from Muhammad Ali and I apologize for doing so.

I arrived with the intention to get into a brawl. I took the time to put on my best attire, so I wasn't going to leave without a challenge. I might be overdoing it a bit, but I'm thrilled and enjoying myself. In my career, I have participated in multiple heavyweight championship fights, but this one stands out. It's the most crucial battle of my life. I'm positive this bout will be remembered for generations to come. We were both chosen for this fight, and I strongly believe we were meant to clash. Though, there can only be one champion, and that champion is me. I'm determined to be the undisputed champion and establish myself as the best fighter of my generation.

I understand that it's easier said than done. This guy is a skilled and crafty boxer, but I've faced numerous opponents like him in my time. I know that when they go up against bigger men, they tend to have a tough time. I fully believe that on February 17th, he will struggle and ultimately lose. It's not about his size though, it's about his fighting spirit. However, when you come across someone who has that same fighting spirit but is also physically larger than you, the reality is simple: you're in trouble.

"He's not the most dangerous opponent I've encountered. We're aware of his agility and left-handedness, but I'm confident that I can outmaneuver him with my boxing skills or take a more aggressive approach and overpower him. There are multiple strategies I can use to defeat him."

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Usyk was less outspoken but expressed his gratitude saying: "Thank you kindly, everyone. My words will be heard in the ring. Could you halt your taunts, Fury? Have you not said enough? Despite my smaller stature, I am confident I will become a champion."

I wish to share a tale that resembles my experience with Tyson, one inspired by David and Goliath. I have faith that if it is meant to be, I will overcome Tyson with the help of a higher power. However, Fury responded with disbelief, asserting that the Lord would never allow him to fall into the hands of someone wearing earrings such as myself.

Fury, who has a record of 34 wins, 0 losses and 1 draw, with 24 knockouts, became the WBC champion in 2020 after defeating Deontay Wilder. In their previous fight in 2018, they had ended in a split draw which was controversial. Fury has successfully defended his title against Wilder, Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora, winning all of these matches by stopping his opponents.

In the meantime, Usyk, who has a record of 21 wins and 14 knockouts, claimed the WBA, WBO, IBF, and IBO titles with his triumph over Anthony Joshua by decision in the year 2021. The 36-year-old lefty went on to hold on to his championship titles with another points triumph against the British boxer in 2022. Furthermore, he put an end to Daniel Dubois, another compatriot of Joshua, in August.